Bf 109 Jabo Units in the West

Using specially commissioned artwork and detailing technical specifications, this book explores the Bf 109''s different roles occasioned by wartime necessity, from its employment as a fighter to its evolution as a fighter-bomber. One of the principal types in the Luftwaffe''s inventory at the beginning of World War II, the piston-engined Bf 109 was central to the many initial victories that the Germans achieved before coming up against the unbeatable RAF during the Battle of Britain. Nevertheless, by the second half of 1940 the Bf 109''s operability was widened due to operational needs and it was flown as a fighter-bomber for precision attacks in Southern England. At first ad hoc conversions were made ''in the field'' to allow the aircraft to carry a bomb or extra fuel tank. Such modifications were soon formalised by Messerschmitt, which created the Jabo Bf 109s. Drawing from pilots'' first-hand accounts, author Malcolm V. Lowe explores the number of specialised units, including Lehrgeschwader 2 and dedicated fighter-bomber sections of standard fighter units such as 10. Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 26, which flew this highly specialised fighter-bomber. Including technical specifications, rare photographs and outstanding artwork, this book explores the Jabo versions of the Bf 109E, F and G both on the production line and with the addition of Rustsatze field conversion kits.>

Their story is told with generous use of first-hand accounts.

Auteur
Malcolm V. Lowe is a writer and historian specialised on Luftwaffe, RAF and USAAF air operations between 193945 over northwest Europe. He collects original wartime material and photographs after interviewing veterans or their families. He has written articles for aviation magazines including Aeroplane Monthly, Aviation News, Aircraft Illustrated and FlyPast. Malcolm's books have been critically acclaimed for their research and published in German, French, Czech, Chinese and Arabic. Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 197478, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon.Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international standing as well as an aviation history enthusiast. He lives in Perthshire, UK.

Contenu
Table of contents

1. In the Beginnings
2. Deadly Combat
3. New Challenges
4. Grand Finale
   Appendices
   
   • Colour plates commentaries
     Selected Sources
     Index